Freezin' for a Reason

Updated: Mar 8, 2019

Over 7,500 adrenaline and possibly alcohol fueled charitable minded individuals raised or posted the amount of $100 for the privileged of being able to take a dip in the frigid February waters off the Jersey Shore. In addition to the plungers a small army of volunteer aquatic first responders also got in the ocean to stand at the ready in event that any plungers required assistance. The annual Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights raised $2 million for Special Olympics New Jersey, the organization provides sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 25,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the state.

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

The official Mascot holds court at the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Mascots meet face to face at the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers party at Spicy prior to the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

a few land sharks try their luck at the balloon stand prior to participating in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Land sharks pose for a photo and even the merchants along the Boardwalk are happy as the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics came to the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Members of the Passaic County, NJ P.B.A. prepare to participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

But first.... Let me take a selfie..... Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester

Plungers participate in the Seaside Heights Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on the beach in Seaside Heights,NJ. Saturday, 23 February 2019. Photo by Brian Hester